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Relational and absolute stimulus learning by monkeys in a memory task.
A A Wright1, R G Cook, D F Kendrick
1University of Texas Health Science Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Rhesus monkeys initially used absolute probe stimulus properties in memory tasks. Over time, they learned to rely on relational control, demonstrating flexible performance strategies in stimulus control.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Animal behavior
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Understanding stimulus control is crucial for deciphering memory and learning mechanisms.
- Rhesus monkeys are widely used models for studying cognitive processes due to their complex behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how rhesus monkeys exert stimulus control in a serial probe recognition memory task.
- To determine whether control is based on absolute probe properties or relational list-probe properties.
- To examine the flexibility of performance strategies and their adaptation to changing task demands.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments involved rhesus monkeys performing a serial probe recognition memory task.
- Monkeys were exposed to repeated stimulus sequences and novel stimuli to test for stimulus control.
- Performance was analyzed to differentiate between control by absolute probe features and relational list-probe associations.
Main Results:
- Initially, monkeys showed stimulus control based on absolute probe properties.
- Relational control was demonstrated through transfer to novel stimuli, but absolute control re-emerged.
- Over extended training with novel stimuli, relational control was re-established, and absolute control diminished.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus monkeys can shift their performance strategies between absolute and relational stimulus control.
- Task demands and training history significantly influence the type of stimulus control exhibited.
- These findings offer insights into the adaptability of cognitive control mechanisms in non-human primates.
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